Checker Tobi explores the secrets of the Maya in Chiapas!

Checker Tobi explores the secrets of the Maya in Chiapas!

On January 4, 2026, the Film world Herne an exciting preview of the new film “Checker Tobi 3 – The Secret Rulers of the Earth” will take place. This time, the popular child star Tobi Krell, known as Checker Tobi, goes on an exciting journey to the descendants of the ancient Maya in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. There he devotes himself to the topic of sustainable agriculture and discovers the traditions that the Maya have maintained for centuries.

Not only is this trip a fun adventure, but it also highlights important environmental issues. In the film, Tobi is accompanied by the anthropology student Samara Sánchez Pöll and the archaeologist Dr. Nicolaus Seefeld accompanied. Together they explore, among other things, the impressive Mayan pyramids and learn the traditional cultivation system Milpa know what is considered one of the oldest agricultural practices in the world.

The meaning of the Milpa

The milpa, a traditional agricultural system, originated with the Maya and Aztecs in Central America and is a prime example of the subsistence farming of indigenous peoples in Mexico and beyond. Main tree products are corn, beans and pumpkins, known as “the three sisters” and which have a symbiotic relationship with each other: corn serves as a climbing aid, beans supply nitrogen to the soil, and pumpkins prevent soil erosion. As the Focus on Latin America reports, it's not just about food production, but also about deep-rooted rituals connected to the harvest and nature.

The fields are often cultivated on a two-year rotation with long fallow periods in order not to exploit the soil. However, this tradition is under threat, particularly due to increasing population numbers and the associated challenges. Mayan agriculture has also been severely affected by colonization and conflict in recent years, so many have lost their valuable knowledge, which has sometimes led to monocultures.

A look into the future

“Checker Tobi 3” not only sheds light on the Mayan culture, but also raises the question of how important it is to treat the environment carefully. The film follows the previous two films in the series and aims to raise awareness among young viewers about the beauty and fragility of our planet. The cinema release is on January 8th, 2026. If you want to be there for the preview on January 4th, you should secure your tickets early.

This exploration tour through the world of the ancient Maya should not only be exciting for children. The film leads thematically into important discussions about sustainability and the protection of our natural resources, a topic that is more important than ever - not only in Mexico, but worldwide.